-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The sudden momentum toward a bipartisan plan to reform the U.S. immigration system has sparked a torrent of discussion about this politically charged and emotional issue . Here 's a sampling of voices from across the spectrum of viewpoints :

`` Anything other than having these people going home and apply through our regular immigration system that successfully admits over 1 million people every year is amnesty , '' said a CNN commenter using the screen name ninesixteen . `` Allowing them to wait in the U.S. is a reward . Our immigration is deliberately constructed to not let in unlimited numbers . These people violate our laws yet expect to be allowed to stay and work when others wait patiently in their countries . Legalization is wrong . ''

Immigration Q&A : Amnesty or path to citizenship ?

`` Illegal immigration has already put massive and unaffordable burdens on the welfare state and with 20 million or more applying for Amnesty , this will simply accelerate this process , '' said Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips , who argues that the real number of undocumented immigrants in the United States is higher than the frequently cited 11 million figure .

Mexico ` welcomes ' new U.S. immigration reform push

`` I 'm a liberal democrat but here 's the problem with this law , '' said a CNN commenter going by the screen name Riprod . `` Legalize them and now they have to pay taxes , SS -LRB- Social Security -RRB- , get minimum wages , union participation etc. . Now they are no longer economically employable by farmers , construction , landscapers and hotels , hotel workers , etc. . So we are left with 11 million more on welfare while these companies search outside our border for more workers . No , I 'm totally against this , they 're illegal , arrest them and kick them out . Secondly , it took me 20 years and about $ 40,000 to get my citizenship legally and I feel cheated when I see this . ''

By the numbers : Immigration and naturalization

`` They need to make them do things the right way . Spend the thousands of dollars to file that paperwork properly . Make sure all the criteria is met . Put them through the ringer like they do anyone else who applies for Residence in the United States , '' CNN comenter Melissa Bickers said .

`` First fix the border . Then make e-verify federal law , and enforced . After that is done , I will welcome the 11 million illegal immigrants , '' CNN commenter `` David '' said .

What 's in Senate immigration plan ?

`` What I am asking for is that President Obama consider every category of immigrant as he moves forward with immigration reform . I have to say , it irks me a bit when I hear that illegal immigrants will not be deported when I have waited for months and spent thousands of dollars to do it ` the right way , ' '' said CNN iReporter Julie Richard , a Canadian who married an American but said she was n't allowed back in the country after a visit home with the couple 's infant daughter . The couple has had to spend seven months apart , she said , while sorting through immigration issues .

Immigration plan : A new era of bipartisanship or a political necessity ?

`` It is vital that the framework includes a path to citizenship , so that undocumented immigrants can come out of the shadows and into the light and have a chance to become Americans . It gives hope to millions of our fellow human beings , '' Archbishop JosÃ © H. Gomez of Los Angeles , chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ' Committee on Migration .

iReport : Under deportation , above fear

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Immigration reform proposals have sparked nationwide debate

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A bipartisan group of senators has proposed one plan

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President Barack Obama is unveiling his plan Tuesday